The Shlomim is also known as Shalmay Todah, thanksgiving peace offering. It was a public celebration with family and friends.
How does one offer a Shalmay Todah?
The Shalmay Todah is an ox, a lamb, or a goat that is offered along with ten loaves that are chametz (leavened dough) and thirty that are matzot (similar to the matzah we eat on Passover). The owner has until the night after the sacrifice is offered to eat all the meat, plus all forty loaves.
That's a lot of food! Certainly he and his family cannot be expected to eat so much food in such a short time. So what does he do? He invites all his relatives and friends to the special Seudat Hoda'a, meal of thanks, to help him eat everything.
During the meal the friends ask the owner, "Why did you bring the Shalmay Todah?"
Now he has the opportunity to publicize his story:
"Last week I ran out of gas while crossing the Mojave desert. The sun was beating down on me, I had no water or food... and scorpions and snakes hid behind every rock, ready to strike! By a miracle, I survived and made it home safely. If it had not been for HaShem's great kindness, I would not be sitting here with all of you today!"
All the listeners are then filled with awe at HaShem's great kindness and mercy and begin to praise Him for the great miracles He does for us all.
Today, when someone survives a dangerous situation and wants to thank HaShem, he says a special prayer in synagogue, called Tefillat HaGomel. This prayer is said during the Torah reading, so that the person's public acknowledgment of HaShem's miracles will be heard by all.
In next week's parsha, Shemini, we'll learn all about which animals, fish, and birds are kosher. We'll also find out what happens when Aharon's two sons decide to bring extra korbanot, without asking permission first?
